© 2017 Scholastic Inc. Teachers may make copies of this page to distribute to their students.
Allow Chewing Gum in School?”
March/April 2017
Name: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
Opinion Writing
Directions: Read the article “Allow Chewing Gum in School?” in the March/April 2017 issue of Storyworks.
Fill in the chart on page 27. Then follow the steps below to write an opinion essay.
An opinion essay is all about stating a view and using evidence to try to convince your readers to agree with
you. First, decide where you stand. Should chewing gum be allowed in schools?
Check the box next to the point of view you will support in your essay.
J Yes! Let kids chew! J No! F for gum!
BEFORE YOU WRITE: CHOOSE YOUR SIDE
Write an Opinion Essay
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The introduction should get readers’ attention, tell them a bit about the topic, and clearly state your opinion.
Write a hook to get readers interested: ___________________________________________________________________
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Write a sentence or two explaining what the debate is all about: _________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Write a sentence that clearly states your opinion on the topic:
___________________________________________
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PARAGRAPH 1: INTRODUCTION
© 2017 Scholastic Inc. Teachers may make copies of this page to distribute to their students.
Allow Chewing Gum in School?”
March/April 2017
Name: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
Opinion Writing
You’ve already started this part! Your three reasons should be listed in either the “Kids” or the “Principal”
column on page 27. Copy them on the numbered lines below. After each one, add evidence—facts, details,
or examples—to support the reason.
Reason 1: _________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Evidence: _________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Reason 2: _________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Evidence: _________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Reason 3: _________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Evidence: _________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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PARAGRAPH 2: REASONS AND EVIDENCE
Write an Opinion Essay, p. 2
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© 2017 Scholastic Inc. Teachers may make copies of this page to distribute to their students.
Allow Chewing Gum in School?”
March/April 2017
Name: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
Opinion Writing
Now copy your work onto a separate sheet of paper. Remember to indent at the beginning of each paragraph,
and use transition words where necessary. Don’t forget to proofread!
FINAL STEP!
The last paragraph of your essay is the conclusion. You should write a few sentences restating your main
points—but don’t add any new ideas. Remember, this is the last thing your readers will see, so make sure to
remind them how you’ve shown that your opinion makes sense.
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PARAGRAPH 3: CONCLUSION
Write an Opinion Essay, p. 3
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